Third of young people suffer back pain

We should be at the peak of physical health during our teens and twenties, but new studies suggest the modern world has made its mark on the young generations.

Research from Mintel shows that one third of 16-24 years olds suffer from some form of back pain – a similar number to that of pensioners.

38% of over-64s suffer from back pain, compared with 34% of young people.

Experts believe too much time sitting slumped in front of the television and computers is contributing to the rising numbers of back problems in young people. When too much time is spent sitting down, the abdominal muscles can weaken, leading to over-compensation and strain in the lower back.

Michelle Stutton, who works for research company Mintel, said: “Back pain is becoming one of society’s main issues and accounts for a high proportion of reasons for taking sick leave.”

These results come just three months after a team of scientists published a report stating that back pain sufferers may be able to ‘think themselves better’ by having a positive attitude to work.

The research, led by Professor Markus Melloh in Perth, Australia, found that only a small proportion of those taking sick leave had actually suffered a physical change such as a slipped disc.

Having a positive attitude to injury may be able to help with pain relief; however, for physical relief there are a number of effective therapies available. Massage, physio and acupuncture are just three of the therapies that target back pain.